1) December OKNA general meeting canceled (Dec. 20)

The Overlook Neighborhood Association will not hold a general meeting this month. Our next general meeting will occur on Jan. 17.

OKNA wishes you and your family a happy holiday season and wonderful new year!

2) Santa visits Overlook House

Santa Clause arrived at Overlook House this month by fire truck for his annual visit. Holiday cheer ensued among the dozens of children there to greet him and to share their holiday wishes. Check out all of the fun in the online photo album.

3) Overlook House featured in The Hollywood Star News

In 1986, Overlook House board chair and retired engineer Greg Dufour bought Mrs. Raven’s “new house,” a mid-century modern home. Since 2003, the board has worked tirelessly to ensure an income stream to pay ongoing operations and maintenance costs for the Historic Overlook House. Neighborhood kids gather at the House for annual holiday events, and adults attend community-oriented events and classes without charge, a tribute to Mrs. Raven’s commitment to maintaining a strong neighborhood.

Alan Cranna, who’s lived in Overlook since 1950 and serves as vice-chair of the Overlook Neighborhood Association which meets at the historic home, discovered a box of records and photos in the Raven’s attic. He found meticulously hand-written meeting minutes of the Overlook Woman’s Club, along with other memorabilia.

Michelle Emert, event manager at Overlook House, grew up in the neighborhood, where she’s now raising her family. Emert, who describes Overlook House as a hidden gem in North Portland said, “We have a micro-budget running a non-profit, so we generally get bookings by word-of-mouth.” Capacity for events ranging from weddings to funerals, birthdays and graduations held inside the house is 125 and they can accommodate up to 300 guests outside. For more information: See historicoverlookhouse.org or call (503) 208-7312.

4) Town hall meeting with local legislators (Jan. 28)

Three state legislators representing parts of Overlook will hold a town hall meeting next month. Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek, newly elected Rep. Tawna Sanchez and Sen. Lew Frederick invite the constituents to attend the session previewing the 2017 legislative session. Residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and share their priorities.

Speaker Kotek also is soliciting input on transportation issues in preparation for tackling one of the top priorities for the upcoming session. You can share your opinion about transportation by completing the online survey.